Hidden Treasures: Underrated PC Games Worth Playing

22 June 2025

Let’s be real—PC gaming has a massive library. With so many titles launching every year, some of the best ones end up flying completely under the radar. They may not have million-dollar marketing campaigns or flashy trailers, but they’ve got heart, soul, and loads of potential.

Welcome to the world of hidden treasures: those underrated PC games that deserve way more love than they get. Whether you're burnt out on mainstream AAA titles or you're just hunting for something a little different, you’re in the right place.

Fasten your seatbelt (or, you know, scoot a little closer to the monitor) because we’re diving deep into some overlooked gems that are absolutely worth your time.

Why Do Great Games Go Underrated?

Before we jump into the list, let’s ask the burning question—why do good games go unnoticed?

Here’s the deal: not every talented dev team has the budget for massive advertising. Some games launch at the wrong time, overshadowed by big-name releases. Others are niche by design and don’t appeal to the masses but hit the right chord with the right crowd.

And here's the wild part: some of these hidden gems are more fun, more creative, and more memorable than that bloated open-world game you've been forcing yourself to finish.

The Hidden Treasures You Might’ve Missed

Alright, now for the good stuff. Here’s a hand-picked list of underrated PC games—spanning genres, styles, and tastes—that you absolutely need to try.

1. Outer Wilds – A Cosmic Puzzle with Heart and Soul

If you love exploration, mystery, and time loops (who doesn’t?), then _Outer Wilds_ is a must-play. You’re an astronaut exploring a solar system trapped in a 22-minute time loop before the sun goes supernova. Sound intense? It is—but in the best way.

Each loop teaches you something new. The game doesn't hand-hold, which makes every discovery feel genuinely rewarding. It’s like peeling layers off an interstellar onion—except the onion might explode.

_Why it’s underrated_: Released with minimal marketing and often confused with _The Outer Worlds_, this game never got the spotlight it deserved.

2. A Short Hike – Wholesome Vibes Only

Need a break from action-heavy games? _A Short Hike_ is like a warm hug with pixels. You play as Claire, a bird going on—you guessed it—a short hike up a mountain to get cell service. Along the way, you meet quirky characters, fish, glide through the wind, and just… exist.

It’s peaceful, funny, and absolutely charming. The visuals are retro-styled but bursting with color and personality. Honestly, it’s the kind of game you finish with a smile on your face.

_Why it’s underrated_: Its short playtime (you can finish it in an evening) makes people overlook it—but it packs more soul into two hours than some games do in 30.

3. Sunless Sea – Gothic Horror Meets Naval Adventure

Fancy something with a darker tone? _Sunless Sea_ throws you into a Victorian, Lovecraftian setting where you're a ship captain sailing a vast, underground ocean called the Unterzee. It's eerie, poetic, and incredibly atmospheric.

This is a game about storytelling, survival, and making hard choices. Every voyage feels like a high-stakes gamble. Will you return with riches—or sink into madness?

_Why it’s underrated_: The slow pace and text-heavy style aren't for everyone, but if you're into unsettling worlds and deep lore, this one's gold.

4. Slay the Spire – Deck-Building Done Right

_Rogue-likes_ are everywhere, but _Slay the Spire_ blends deck-building with dungeon crawling to perfection. It’s addictive, strategic, and fantastically replayable. Every run is different, which keeps things fresh.

Even if you're not into card games, this one might surprise you. It’s easy to pick up but hard to master—a perfect loop if you like games that constantly challenge and reward you.

_Why it’s underrated_: It’s had a loyal following but never quite broke into mainstream gaming conversations despite being a genre-defining title.

5. Battle Chef Brigade – Chopped Meets Street Fighter

This one’s totally unique. Part match-three puzzle game, part side-scrolling beat-em-up, and part cooking competition. You hunt magical beasts, gather ingredients, then cook up a storm Iron Chef-style.

It’s fast-paced, vibrant, and just pure fun. The art style is anime-inspired, the story’s charming, and the gameplay is a refreshing twist on several genres rolled into one neat package.

_Why it’s underrated_: Fell under the radar due to its niche genre mix, but once you play it, you’ll wonder why more games aren’t like this.

6. Return of the Obra Dinn – Detective Work, Reimagined

Ready to feel like Sherlock Holmes with a time-traveling stopwatch? _Return of the Obra Dinn_ has you investigate the mysterious fate of a ghost ship's crew using a unique monochrome art style and deduction-based gameplay.

You piece together how each crew member died through flashbacks frozen in time. It's like solving a huge jigsaw puzzle—except the pieces are lives and deaths.

_Why it’s underrated_: Its art style can throw people off, but the gameplay is some of the most original and satisfying detective work you’ll ever experience.

7. Gris – A Masterpiece in Motion

_Gris_ is more than just a platformer—it’s an emotional journey through grief, wrapped in stunning watercolor visuals and a haunting soundtrack. There are no words. No damage to take. Just gorgeous, metaphorical gameplay that moves you in ways you didn’t expect.

It’s one of those games where every screenshot looks like a painting. But more than visuals, it tells a profound story without ever saying a word.

_Why it’s underrated_: Some gamers dismiss it as "just artsy," but it’s a genuine work of art that deserves more recognition.

8. Darkwood – Survival Horror, But Make It Smart

Forget cheap jump scares. _Darkwood_ builds dread slowly, deliberately. You’ll manage supplies during the day, then barricade yourself inside at night as things go bump in the dark. Tension? Through the roof.

Its top-down view might trick you into thinking it’s mild—but the atmosphere is anything but. Every choice matters, and survival feels truly earned.

_Why it’s underrated_: Overshadowed by flashier horror games, this one’s a slow burn—but once it gets into your head, it stays there.

9. Hypnospace Outlaw – Retro Internet Detective Madness

This game is like stepping into a dream version of the early internet—all blinking GIFs, clunky websites, and absurd niche communities. You're a digital cop enforcing laws in the cyber world.

It’s weird, hilarious, and deeply nostalgic. You’ll be investigating everything from copyright infringement to virtual cults—all in a fake '90s online browser.

_Why it’s underrated_: Its odd concept and style might scare off mainstream players, but those who dive in find one of the most unique experiences out there.

10. Tyranny – What If You Were the Villain?

Imagine a fantasy RPG where evil has already won—and you’re part of the ruling regime. _Tyranny_ flips the classic "hero's journey" on its head and asks you to navigate moral ambiguity like never before.

It’s from the makers of _Pillars of Eternity_, so expect deep writing, meaningful choices, and lots of political intrigue. Your decisions truly shape the world, and not in the generic "press X to save or Y to doom" way.

_Why it’s underrated_: Released around the same time as bigger RPGs and never got the spotlight its moral complexity deserved.

Honorable Mentions (Because We Couldn’t Stop)

- Papers, Please – Who thought stamping passports could be so emotionally exhausting?
- The Banner Saga – Turn-based combat meets Viking tragedy.
- Katana ZERO – Stylish, fast, and full of psychological twists.
- Oxenfree – Teen drama plus supernatural mystery? Sign me up.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Next Favorite Game

Look, we get it—finding your next game can feel like flipping through an endless Netflix queue. But sometimes, those under-the-radar titles are where the real magic happens. The ones that don't just entertain, but surprise you. Stick with you. Make you think.

So if you're tired of overhyped letdowns or just want to play something different, these underrated PC games are more than just hidden treasures—they might just be your new favorites.

Plus, let’s be honest: there’s something incredibly satisfying about discovering a game before it blows up. You get that smug “I played it before it was cool” feeling.

You’re welcome.